A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Taormina or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Taormina and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Taormina different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Taormina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taormina or Bologna?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Bologna and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Is the Food Better in Taormina or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Taormina and Bologna.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Taormina. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Taormina is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Bologna?

Bologna is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bologna. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Couples?

Taormina is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular city for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

Taormina is not popular with students.

Is Taormina or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taormina and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Bologna has a few public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Taormina or Bologna a more walkable city?

Taormina and Bologna are superb when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

Bologna is very walkable. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Taormina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bologna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Taormina than Bologna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Taormina that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Taormina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bologna.

One day in Taormina or Bologna?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Bologna?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Bologna?

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taormina and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Taormina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taormina Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Bologna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Taormina or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Taormina or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Taormina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Taormina is a little warmer than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Bologna. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Bologna. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Taormina